Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 5

Written Answers. - Foot and Mouth Disease.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

91 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the total number of cattle and sheep destroyed so far in the course of the cull to isolate foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9411/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh): The total number of cattle and sheep culled up to Wednesday, 28 March, is 1,013 and 23,450, respectively. My Department is continuing its tracing activity and will continue to take precautionary action where it is considered that this is necessary to prevent any possible risk of spreading foot and mouth disease. Any decision to extend the slaughter of susceptible species in the Cooley Peninsula will depend on the evolving situation and, in particular, on the results of the tests being carried out at Pirbright in relation to the suspect animals in Piedmont.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

92 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the extent to which all animals imported since the initial outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom have been traced; if he has satisfied himself that all possible threats regarding the spread of foot and mouth disease emanating from such sources have been addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9412/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Arising from the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, FMD, in the United Kingdom, a ban on the importation from the UK, including Northern Ireland, of susceptible animals and certain categories of animal products has applied since 21 February 2001. My Department, in conjunction with the Garda and with the co-operation of our counterparts in Northern Ireland, has undertaken extensive investigations aimed at tracing any susceptible animals which may have entered the State from the UK in the period from 1 February up to 21 February 2001. These investigations have made very good headway. Such investigations had led to the precautionary slaughter of susceptible animals in counties Wexford, Mayo, Roscommon, Meath, Laois, Carlow and Louth. There is no evidence of any susceptible animals having been imported from the UK since the imposition on 21 February 2001 of the import ban.

Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 83.